The 34-year-old was on the scoresheet as Fulham beat west London rivals Chelsea at Craven Cottage on Thursday evening to report a fifth straight win in all competitions.
The veteran Brazilian confronted questions over his future after leaving Arsenal for a spell again in his homeland with Corinthians after which signing a one-year cope with Fulham. Silva, although, was all the time assured the midfielder’s expertise would shine via.
“Every week I repeat myself, but I didn’t have doubts about what he can do for us,” the Fulham boss said. “We had a good feeling from him and he got the same from our football club, the staff and team-mates.
“The quality was always there, and he is a top, top player.”
The Fulham supervisor informed a press convention: “It was important again for him on Thursday night.
“He would have had mixed feelings for sure, because he played for seven years with a blue shirt and now he is playing for the neighbours. He is enjoying the moment.”
Whereas Fulham are out there for contemporary expertise in the course of the January window, Silva insists the present group have what it takes to carry their very own within the high flight.
“We always try to have competition inside [the squad], because that is the best way for us to grow as a football club,” the Portuguese coach stated. “When the competition is harder, in the training sessions, the players have to do their maximum every single day.
“For sure, it will be more headaches for me to take the decisions but it will be much better for us and also make the players better to grow as individuals as well.
“If we can find players with different profile, who can do different things on the pitch, then that is always important.”
High scorer Aleksandar Mitrovic can be accessible once more at Newcastle on Sunday following suspension, however defender Antonee Robinson will serve his personal one-match ban after amassing a fifth reserving in the course of the Chelsea sport.
Further reporting by PA.
